Lawrance Aero Engine Company
| Fate | Acquired |
|---|---|
| Successor | Wright Aeronautical |
| Founded | 1917 |
| Founder | Charles Lawrance |
| Defunct | 1923 |
Lawrance Aero Engine Company was an American aircraft engine manufacturer. Founded by engine pioneer Charles Lawrance, it designed one of the first successful air-cooled radial engines. It existed for only 5 years, being acquired by Wright Aeronautical, a much larger company better able to mass-produce Lawrance's radial engines.
Contents
History
The Lawrance Aero Engine Company was founded in 1917.[1] After the end of World War I, the Lawrance engineers worked with both the Army and the Navy in developing their L-1 into a nine-cylinder radial engine, which became the 200 hp Lawrance J-1. It was the best American air-cooled engine at the time, and passed its 50-hour test in 1922.[2]
The United States Navy was very enthusiastic about air-cooled radials, but was concerned that Lawrance couldn't produce enough engines for its needs. The Navy suggested to Wright that it purchase the Lawrance company and build the J-1 itself. In May 1923, Lawrance was purchased by Wright Aeronautical, with the J-1 being further developed by Wright into the J-5, J-6, and R-795.[3]
Products
- Lawrance A-3
- Lawrance C-2 1917
- Lawrance J-1
- Lawrance J-2
- Lawrance L-1
- Lawrance L-2
- Lawrance L-3
- Lawrance L-4 aka Wright Gale
- Lawrance L-5
References
- ↑ Gunston, p. 125
- ↑ Janes Fighting Aircraft of World War I by Michael John Haddrick Taylor (Random House Group Ltd. 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 2SA, 2001, ISBN 1-85170-347-0), page 290
- ↑ Gunston, p. 125, 244
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External links
- Wright J-5 "Whirlwind" (PDF), by Kimble D. McCutcheon, from the Aircraft Engine Historical Society
